I just saw this comment on FB and decided it needed to live on. My fiancé will attest to the fact that I've already had some moments of 'Bride insanity' he refers to it as crazy bride meets mellow Kelly and as long as I keep laid back me dominate then we're good. I figure if the world is at a place where "Madonna is so down to earth" then I've got a bit of space to spread my wings in crazy bride category.At this stage in wedding planning (14 months post engagement! can't believe it's been that long) we've set a date and found a location. We've asked our dear friend to officiate and lined up our wedding party. I have growing files of colors, flowers, fashion and so forth. Parent's of the Bride come in early October when I will finally try on a dress followed my many more. I'm actually ready for this part. I have to admit the dress is the first thing I started looking at pictures of, but I really wasn't ready to try one on till about a month ago.
I've planned many events before, many ceremonies, many parties so in a lot of ways this has so far felt like just another 'show'. Given a show in which Joe and I are writing, Directing, Producing, starring...but a show. The dress makes it really real. More then plans, locations, invitations and colors -but a type of clothing I will only shop for once. I've never invited people to go shopping for me with me before - but I need help with this! This is BIG!
So, me and thus my blog have entered wedding mode. I'm addicted. I'm obsessed. I love it. I'm so glad I didn't spend my entire life dreaming and planning for this day -how do people handle that?! This will be so much fun for the next 7 months -then I'll be so happy to be on Honeymoon!!
PS..since I know you're wondering. Madonna was declared 'so down to earth' by one FBer due to a sighting of her with kids in tote on a NY subway and rumor that she lets her children ride their bikes to school!! Well, I guess she's human at least.
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
9.12.2010
7.13.2009
pregnancy for dummies
While searching for movies on Netflix last night I found the instant play of this. This is the UK book version. There is also a DVD and USA Book version, at minimum...I care to look no further for other Prego for dummies paraphernalia. It just seems wrong. If there is one 'for dummies' book that shouldn't be written it just might be this one. I defer to my friend Brad's wish for female sterilization on this account. I hope when the book is opened or the DVD is played it includes nothing but an at length discussion on the options of abortion, adoption and future sterilization. At least it's not brain surgery for dummies...well crap....
Marla
Sometime last week I watched the movie, My Kid could Paint That. About a young (4year old) girl whose paintings were discovered and shown by a local gallery, sold, moved on to nyc, a big to do was made and then 60minutes or some such program with Charlie Rose made claim that her father helped her with the paintings and the whole thing was a scam. Part way through the movie I felt bad for even watching and almost turned it off as I felt like just another intruder on this young artist's life. First, I think her art is beautiful. Second, I do believe it is her. The documentary accounted a period of time in which through video various groups tried to 'prove' that Martha has created the paintings completely alone from start to finish. Those paintings which the process was captured on video are strikingly different than the rest of her collection up till that point. There was such an obvious explanation for this which was never mentioned in the film, for one. Second, the accusations were based on perfectly normal comments of a young child.
I've painted with enough children to know that they want help, the want connection. You draw that, I'll draw this. Help me, what color next?...these are all conversations of a normal four year old. I understand how this can be problematic when you're attempting to sell paintings for 300 to 100000 dollars, but its not complete condemnation.
Back to first of all, it is mentioned several times (by her mother mostly) that Marla is an introvert. As an introvert performing an action as pure and inspired as painting while being filmed would greatly alter the product. There are enough people in the world that can't poop outside of their own homes, why is it so unthinkable that a little girl doesn't paint the same way when she's being video taped. Even with her parent's making the documentation of "Ocean" the interaction has changed. The environment for which Marla feels safe and creative has been disrupted by the camera attached to her parent's face. I would imagine that at most times when Marla is painting her parents are not hovering over the entire time. They come in and out to check on her, but just as you'd put a child in front of a TV or with their favorite toys to keep them occupied and safe while you do the dishes, dust, watch the other child, talk on the phone, read a book, etc. It is quite obvious to me why the paintings on film are different. Even with a hidden camera the parents seem to be around more then the usual instance of painting.
Why is it the work of the media to take a completely innocent little girl and turn her life upside down? Why do we need a profit monger media network to tell us if the art we've invested in is actually legit? If I'm going to spend 300-100000 dollars on something I'm going to decide for myself and through my own networks of trust if it is worth it to me. Is there any positive story that has made national press and never been slandered? Does such a thing exist? Why is it even possible for me to legitimately ask that question?
6.29.2009
Growing UP?
When I was young I spent the summers with my grandparents in El Paso. My best friend for so many years lived a few blocks from them. We always joked that we couldn't take her mother to any movie because she cried at everything. We thought it was hilarious and couldn't imagine why all these movies that weren't even sad made her cry. I still don't know why. But, last night I found myself shedding tears in the first 15 minutes of a cartoon. Comforted only by the fact that my date was also crying. The story telling is absolutely amazing and we both cried at least two more times before all the credits rolled.
So, has the rest of me caught up to the grey hair? Is crying at the movies something that happens with age? Experience? lack of sleep? My same friend recently posted a beautiful blog on becoming grown up. When does this happen? 18? 21? graduation? marriage? job? birth? death? movies?
5.15.2009
As I walk through the valley
***SPOILER ALERT***If you have not seen the season's end of Grey's Anatomy and want to without knowing what happens stop reading now***SPOILER ALERT***
In the midst of a very insane week, I managed to give myself two hours to watch the one show I seriously follow and have since it began, Grey's Anatomy. Through watching it with my roommate in Austin, to Friday afternoons with Abby, to large watching parties in the dorms and homes of PSR, to catching up on episodes online, to a little bit of me time with a glass of wine - I've watched the lives of these people of similar age progress through life. Just as my circles have moved and changed so have the lives of Seattle Grace. Folks have married, babies born, people moved, people died.
It is this last moment which has me pondering still today. I don't deal with death much. I've only lost one grandparent and I was not yet 6 then. I've lost one dear friend, but we were already separated by distance. I've lost a couple pets, namely Cricket and Duke. I've been to other funerals, but those are the four deaths that I can recall being closest to. My biggest fear is the death of someone close to me.
I was fully prepared for one of the deaths on last nights show (and that was still hard), but completely blind-sided by the other. I knew we knew John Doe, but I just couldn't figure it out. I kept running old characters through my brain and came up with nothing. Was I blinded by my want for O'Malley to change heart and stay on the show? Was the set-up that good? If he goes to the Army he can come back, if he dies that's it (no more Denny ghost type come-backs please) And what happens now? I've seen these people marry, divorce, mourn, pass exams, grow as individuals, marry, save lives and now die. I'm sure I'll get to process through these deaths with the characters that return in the fall, but what about my own experiences with them? {Artistic note to the director: nice picture made with the final scene. I will remember that last time I saw Izzy and George standing so handsomely at those elevator doors for a long time}
I realize that this is 'just a tv show' and I'm taking it very personally at this point, but I think it is worth looking at, especially for those of us who serve others. How affected are we by our television communities? I've spent my whole life witnessing families who know its not a good idea to tell mom/dad/sibling bad news after their team lost the game. Watched co-workers blog and go over and over the latest episode of LOST or Heroes. Listen to the hope ignited by a Susan Boyle or the rejection felt when our person gets voted out. We're involved in these lives. One statistic claims:
"According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day (or 28 hours/week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year). In a 65-year life, that person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube."
It would be very difficult to convince me that we're not involved and affected by something we devote at least 9 years of our cumulative life to. So, today I mourn. I mourn the loss, of not my favorite two characters, but still two people that have been a part of my life for at least one hour a week for 30 weeks of the year for 5 years. That is more then I've seen a lot of my dearest friends or most anyone reading this blog.
In the midst of a very insane week, I managed to give myself two hours to watch the one show I seriously follow and have since it began, Grey's Anatomy. Through watching it with my roommate in Austin, to Friday afternoons with Abby, to large watching parties in the dorms and homes of PSR, to catching up on episodes online, to a little bit of me time with a glass of wine - I've watched the lives of these people of similar age progress through life. Just as my circles have moved and changed so have the lives of Seattle Grace. Folks have married, babies born, people moved, people died.
It is this last moment which has me pondering still today. I don't deal with death much. I've only lost one grandparent and I was not yet 6 then. I've lost one dear friend, but we were already separated by distance. I've lost a couple pets, namely Cricket and Duke. I've been to other funerals, but those are the four deaths that I can recall being closest to. My biggest fear is the death of someone close to me.
I was fully prepared for one of the deaths on last nights show (and that was still hard), but completely blind-sided by the other. I knew we knew John Doe, but I just couldn't figure it out. I kept running old characters through my brain and came up with nothing. Was I blinded by my want for O'Malley to change heart and stay on the show? Was the set-up that good? If he goes to the Army he can come back, if he dies that's it (no more Denny ghost type come-backs please) And what happens now? I've seen these people marry, divorce, mourn, pass exams, grow as individuals, marry, save lives and now die. I'm sure I'll get to process through these deaths with the characters that return in the fall, but what about my own experiences with them? {Artistic note to the director: nice picture made with the final scene. I will remember that last time I saw Izzy and George standing so handsomely at those elevator doors for a long time}
I realize that this is 'just a tv show' and I'm taking it very personally at this point, but I think it is worth looking at, especially for those of us who serve others. How affected are we by our television communities? I've spent my whole life witnessing families who know its not a good idea to tell mom/dad/sibling bad news after their team lost the game. Watched co-workers blog and go over and over the latest episode of LOST or Heroes. Listen to the hope ignited by a Susan Boyle or the rejection felt when our person gets voted out. We're involved in these lives. One statistic claims:
"According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day (or 28 hours/week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year). In a 65-year life, that person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube."
It would be very difficult to convince me that we're not involved and affected by something we devote at least 9 years of our cumulative life to. So, today I mourn. I mourn the loss, of not my favorite two characters, but still two people that have been a part of my life for at least one hour a week for 30 weeks of the year for 5 years. That is more then I've seen a lot of my dearest friends or most anyone reading this blog.
3.13.2009
Liverpool can dance
Thanks to my little brother for passing along this bit of entertainment. And props to T-Mobile for making life fun while promoting their product.
3.11.2009
T'aschu
I have a friend who jokes that Bush is not as dumb as he sounds but just a Texan. See, here in Texas we just make up words as we need them. It is a generally accepted practice. I can't actually find any source for the following list. But, regardless they're quite amusing and the first half were most likely created by Texans, witty and inventive. Enjoy!
Washington Post Mensa Invitational
Here are the winners of this year's Washington Post's Mensa Invitational which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter and supply a new definition:
1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus: A person who is both stupid and an asshole.
3. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high
8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido: All talk and no action.
14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words. And the winners are:
1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. Esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.
6. Negligent, adj.. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence, n.. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle n. A humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon, n. A Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men.
Washington Post Mensa Invitational
Here are the winners of this year's Washington Post's Mensa Invitational which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter and supply a new definition:
1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus: A person who is both stupid and an asshole.
3. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high
8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido: All talk and no action.
14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words. And the winners are:
1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. Esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.
6. Negligent, adj.. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence, n.. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle n. A humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon, n. A Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men.
2.24.2009
best rebuttal ever
One of my brain release indulgences is to watch some teenybopper gushy CW shows while I do some of the more menial tasks of my jobs. One of them is Privileged. I won't explain, you know it, you can guess, or it just doesn't matter. One of the 'privileged' girls was arguing with her catholic boyfriend (assistant chef) about his choice not to attend the gay chef's wedding. Catholic boy in arguing his case against homosexuality says something like, most of the country agrees with me. Rich girls rebuttal is, and most of the country thinks they can wear mini skirts with cowboy boots, but they're wrong.
I laughed out loud!! It was perfect. I'm stealing the line and you should too.
and...I'm pretty sure I've worn the closest thing to a mini skirt that I own with cowboy boots before (and not just for Halloween) I guess that was bad?
I laughed out loud!! It was perfect. I'm stealing the line and you should too.
and...I'm pretty sure I've worn the closest thing to a mini skirt that I own with cowboy boots before (and not just for Halloween) I guess that was bad?
foul play
I didn't get to watch the Oscars and so I was watching one of those awful Hollywood gossip shows when I couldn't sleep last night to try and glean some of the events of the show. I heard one commentator state that Freida Pinto was one of the 'worst dressed' wearing a "mother of the bride look", not the young beauty that she is. The site on which I found this picture agrees. I completely disagree on aesthetics and tact. First, I think she is positively gorgeous and this dress absolutely beautiful. Someone remind me of it if I'm ever luck enough to walk down a red carpet. Then there is tact. The rags to riches movie in both subject and creation with dreams of DVD distribution makes millions and sweeps the Oscars. Is there no grace for the first time Oscar runway youth (yes, I believe 24 to be youth, even if hollywood doesn't)? I do believe Frieda was a model previous to her debut film of Slumdog Millionaire and is not doing so bad having been cast in Woody Allen's next film, so I'm sure these tactless comments won't cut too deep. But can't we have some class? I'm mean really, welcome to America, we love your movie but hate your dress even if it so elegantly combines elements of Indian fashion with American runway elegance. There are some truly poorly compiled outfits on the redcarpet and I just don't believe this was anywhere near that list. (yes, i realize there are far more important things to spend time on than fashion, but our culture makes and breaks people on the impression made by physical appearance all the time) Freida, I loved your movie, I LOVE your dress, I look forward seeing more of your work and do hope that we treat you better in the future, thank you for sharing your talent, beauty and taste with us!
2.14.2009
2.7 seconds on a bull named fu man chu
I love Texas and was recently reminded of that at the fort worth stock show and rodeo. the pride of one group of people in their state and culture is so prominent among rodeo folks. all the country songs of ropin' and ridin' come to life. Chivalry is not dead. And there is just something great about the smell of animal poo. Two events marked this event for me. First, as we wandered the stock show marketplace we came across a booth run by two men that Joe and I are acquainted with. Both men coming up to us completely separately tipped there hat as they shook my hand hello and again for goodbye. I don' know why but there is just something that warms the heart in that simple age old gesture. I was struck second by the pageantry, patriotism and faith of the opening ceremonies of the rodeo. For 36 performances dozens upon dozens of horses and riders parade around the arena led by two sets of the 6 flags that have flown over Texas. In the manner of the wave sections of audience members rise, remove their hats and then sit again as the USA and Texas Flags pass their section. No one person sang the national anthem, but the whole crowd together and when fireworks shot of in this enclosed arena those flag bearing horses hardly twitched. The entire rodeo is accompanied by a live rodeo orchestra. From the national anthem, 8 seconds on a buckin' bull to the entr'acte clown show. Finally, Joe nor I know why, but we know a lot about the rodeo. We know what's going on in each event, the order of events and so forth. But why? Why are somethings just known? Does everyone know these things about the rodeo? I was never a rodeo cowgirl nor a part of a rodeo family. It is clear why I know excessive knowledge on the church or theatre, but where along the way did rodeo 101 come into my brain?
8.05.2008
August? Protector? Romantic?
Where did July go and why did I start and end it with ranting? I did have quite a bit of fun in between. I also took a hiatus from all that was not absolutely necessary..which included blogging. Tonight I come with two happy ponderings.
I drove to Austin last week for my father's Birthday. We had a lot of fun celebrating him. On my way home as I emerged from a cluster of traffic into a 50 mile or so stretch that is pretty desolate there came the lights of a Semi a bit closer than comfort than comfort in my rear view mirror. I moved over and the truck pulled past and in front, then it changed speeds. I'm a cruise control type so I pulled around and sped up enough to put an appropriate distance so the trailers could go their speed and I mine. Then the Semi pulls up the left lane and slides in behind me. Closer than I normally would have liked but it was the Semi's choice so I just kept the cruise on and went about my way. Traveling about 68 down the road the two of us went. I will never know if that truck was using me to track speed, stalking or in its own way protecting. If I had stopped would they have? Would they have helped or hurt? I'm sad that I'd even have to worry. But for all purposes cliche maybe we each just needed somebody else by our side on that dark stretch of empty road. A moment of solidarity? When we reached Dallas the Semi went on East via I-20 and I went home..safe, sound, and thankful for my semi, always in my mind to have been a protector. In fact I missed that Semi on the last bit of my trek, like one misses friends who've stood so close and are now down a different road.
Second, I have a confession. I just finished..by choice (no teeny bopper cousin nor pack of youth group girls making me) watching Picture This! That's not really the confession, but in some way it is. The confession...I like the Cinderella story. Does anyone not? In so many forms, especially when it is well done (Ever After is a favorite version, second to the Disney cartoon). Tonight's version was fun, modern. All the way to the blue dress at the ball. I think this leads to a bigger problem...am I really a romantic? Deep, hiding somewhere? Is this the truth of me? A romantic?? seriously?
I drove to Austin last week for my father's Birthday. We had a lot of fun celebrating him. On my way home as I emerged from a cluster of traffic into a 50 mile or so stretch that is pretty desolate there came the lights of a Semi a bit closer than comfort than comfort in my rear view mirror. I moved over and the truck pulled past and in front, then it changed speeds. I'm a cruise control type so I pulled around and sped up enough to put an appropriate distance so the trailers could go their speed and I mine. Then the Semi pulls up the left lane and slides in behind me. Closer than I normally would have liked but it was the Semi's choice so I just kept the cruise on and went about my way. Traveling about 68 down the road the two of us went. I will never know if that truck was using me to track speed, stalking or in its own way protecting. If I had stopped would they have? Would they have helped or hurt? I'm sad that I'd even have to worry. But for all purposes cliche maybe we each just needed somebody else by our side on that dark stretch of empty road. A moment of solidarity? When we reached Dallas the Semi went on East via I-20 and I went home..safe, sound, and thankful for my semi, always in my mind to have been a protector. In fact I missed that Semi on the last bit of my trek, like one misses friends who've stood so close and are now down a different road.
Second, I have a confession. I just finished..by choice (no teeny bopper cousin nor pack of youth group girls making me) watching Picture This! That's not really the confession, but in some way it is. The confession...I like the Cinderella story. Does anyone not? In so many forms, especially when it is well done (Ever After is a favorite version, second to the Disney cartoon). Tonight's version was fun, modern. All the way to the blue dress at the ball. I think this leads to a bigger problem...am I really a romantic? Deep, hiding somewhere? Is this the truth of me? A romantic?? seriously?
5.08.2008
4.18.2008
What flavor do you think it is?
$10,000 for a Child's Birthday PartyStory Highlights
Some parents pay $25,000 for children's birthday parties
Dad reportedly spent $25 million on daughter's bat mitzvah
Minnesota parents organize for simpler birthday celebrations
Frugal mom offers tips on throwing parties for $50
Some parents pay $25,000 for children's birthday parties
Dad reportedly spent $25 million on daughter's bat mitzvah
Minnesota parents organize for simpler birthday celebrations
Frugal mom offers tips on throwing parties for $50
The image to the left is a cake. A $1500 cake for a 10 year old. I would like to say that I don't make judgements, but I do. May be it is something I should work on. I write lengthy essays and fill out long applications just to get $1500 in scholarship money to put towards the more than $40000 of debt just incurred in two years of graduate school. At the same time, I wouldn't mind being hired by any of the above families to design their parties, at least the decor for them. I would like them to hire me, so that in one night of work and a couple weeks of planning I can finance the majority of the rest of my year and be able to work at a much lower rate for non-profit social activism and faith groups. So, I guess I relinquish the right to judge some one's lifestyle by my need for these people to finance my lifestyle. I am in a quandary over it though.
4.10.2008
You might need to sit down for this..
Last night I watched part of American Idol by my own free will. I know, what is happening to the world!? This is precisely my question. I remained on the channel my television lit up with when I turned it on because of the subtitle: American Idol Gives Back. I have recently been fascinated by the extreme philanthropic nature of reality television, marked most notably by Oprah's Big Give. I even wrote in one of my class reflections a critique I have of this system in which the upper class employs the middle class to give to the lower class embodying and perpetuating the reliance of all other people on the upper class. In a more questioning sense: Are these shows a reflection of society's growing tendency toward charity or are we using charity to pull on the heartstrings of America to improve ratings and ultimately make money for corporations. By which are we actually helping anyone or just expanding the gap between the rich and the poor? I won't even begin to discuss the ethnic and gender issues I have with all of this.
Another moment of confusion with this particular episode (American Idol Gives Back, aired April 9) was the final moments. What I assume to be this season's remaining contestants filled the stage, all wearing white to sing a powerful version of Shout to the Lord. When did a show titled to embody the complete contradiction of Christianity (creating an idol out of someone other than God) become Christian? Out of all the songs demonstrating a philanthropic nature, why was this chosen? To be even more complicated when Ben Stiller runs out on an empty stage in an empty theatre (in what I again, not being completely up to date with current television, guess to be a parody to the Matt Damon and I believe its Jimmy Kimmel show never having time for him joke). Ben Stiller obviously curses several times, mocks Seacrist and leaves in a huff. How did this little fit help American Idol give back?
I guess my real questions are: What are we promoting in these shows? Who is really benefiting? What messages are being sent? Will television's need to seemingly randomly 'give back' end now that the writers have been back on the job long enough to start up our favorite non-reality shows again?
Another moment of confusion with this particular episode (American Idol Gives Back, aired April 9) was the final moments. What I assume to be this season's remaining contestants filled the stage, all wearing white to sing a powerful version of Shout to the Lord. When did a show titled to embody the complete contradiction of Christianity (creating an idol out of someone other than God) become Christian? Out of all the songs demonstrating a philanthropic nature, why was this chosen? To be even more complicated when Ben Stiller runs out on an empty stage in an empty theatre (in what I again, not being completely up to date with current television, guess to be a parody to the Matt Damon and I believe its Jimmy Kimmel show never having time for him joke). Ben Stiller obviously curses several times, mocks Seacrist and leaves in a huff. How did this little fit help American Idol give back?
I guess my real questions are: What are we promoting in these shows? Who is really benefiting? What messages are being sent? Will television's need to seemingly randomly 'give back' end now that the writers have been back on the job long enough to start up our favorite non-reality shows again?
2.20.2008
the movie of your life
I was asked recently who I would want to play me in the movie of my life. I was struck without an answer. Not simply because I don't forsee the need for that movie to ever be made, but because I really enjoy casting, yet can't come up with who I would want to represent me. As I was just reading an article on people.com I wonder if it is not so important as who plays me in the movie as to who replaces me in my work. This summer we (PSR and the greater Religion and Art Community) lost one of our greatest teachers, Doug Adams. The conversation since has been how do you replace such a man. At this point, he has not been replaced and the conversations are leading in the direction of it taking three people to fill the vacancy. People reports that it will take three actors (of extreme talent, Jude Law, Johnny Depp and Colin Farrell) to complete the role the late Heath Ledger holds in his unfinished film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Is it possible to find balance of the work and play of life while being so instrumental as to need three people to succeed you?
on a completely different note: http://www.nkotb.com/ check it out. enough said.
on a completely different note: http://www.nkotb.com/ check it out. enough said.
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